Chain pipe wrench



G. W. BUFFORD. CHAIN PIPE WRENCH. APPLICATION FILED 11N230, 1921.

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CHAIN PIPE WRENCH.

APPLICATION HLED nmzso. x921 1,416,685 awnted' May 23, 1922.

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gvwewtoz I 61mm gwI/W G. W. BUFFORD.

CHAIN PIPE WRENCH.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 30. I9 2I.

Patented May 23, 1922;

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stains rarsnr GEORGE VT. BUFFORD, OF BUFFALO, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO J. H. WILLIAli/IS & COMPANY, OF BROOKLYN, NEW YORK, A CORPORATION OF NEW YORK.

CHAIN PIPE. \VRENCH.

Continuation of application Serial No. 64,266, filed November 30, 1915.

Specification of Letters Patent.

1921. Serial 1Y0; 481,723.

1 '0 at] whom it ma g/ concern:

Be it known that I, GEORGE V. Burronn, a citizen of the. United States of America, residing in Buffalo, in the county of Erie and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Chain ltipe i Vrenches, of which the following is a specification.

The invention relates to chain pipe wrenches and aims to provide improvements therein.

The present invention provides a chain pipe wrench which, without change or adjustment of parts, readily and effectively grips pipe. fittings or flanges. Such a tool is of considerable convenience to pipe fitters, it enables them to effectively turn pipe, fittings and flanges, all of which work is usually a part of an installation, with a single tool. The invention further provides tool of the character described, capable of eiiiectively gripping a range of sizes of pipe without change or adjustment. The invention further provides a strong and durable tool.

The invention also provides such a tool in which the jaws are reversible, by which a new working face of the jaw may be brought into action when the teeth of one face becomes worn or broken.

The invention further provides a convenient, strong, and readily formed joint be tween the reversible jaw and stock or head. The invention also includes other improvements which will be hereinafter more fully described.

Referring to the drawings which illustrate several forms of the invention,

Figure l is a side elevation of one form of the invention showing the wrench in engagenient with an elbow;

Fig. l is a side elevation of the wrench shown in Fig. 1, showing the wrench applied to a pipe;

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of the wrench shown in the foregoing Figures 1 and 1, showing the wrench applied to the flange of a flange fitting;

Fig; 2 is a top or plan view with the chain removed Fig. 3 is an underside view with the chain broken away;

7 Fig. 4 is a longitudinal section through the jaw.

Referring to Figures 1 to 4, let A indicate the wrench handle and B the jaw. The jaw B may be formed integrally with the handle and in extent has a length corresponding to the length of the face a b of The jaw B, however, may be formed separately as a reversible jaw, and when so formed is practically double the length of the usual construction, so that it not only includes the working face a, b, but also the working face a, c, which faces closely adjoin. It will be noticed that the teeth of such working faces incline in opposite directions. In the present construction the jaw B is formed as one structure with a width indicated at (Z, c, in Fig. 3. However, the working faces do not extend completely from. side to side at all portions of the jaw, such working faces being interrupted at f and g (as shown in this figure) to form recesses into which the handle A and chain C may extend. By forming the working faces with a substantial portion extending over the complete width of the jaw, the latter is enabled to grip fittings and flanges which would not be practicable or possible if two separate jaws were employed. :The forward divided part of the jaw is especially useful on straight pipe work, and the undivided part is best for flanges (using a flat. chain), and fittings can be gripped to advantage with either part of the jaw.

In Fig. 1 the wrench is shown engaging a fitting, the teeth on the broad part biting the fitting. In Fig. 1 the wrench is shown engaging a pipe, the teeth on the bifurcated portion engaging the pipe. And in Fig. 1 the wrench is shown as engaging a flange, the teeth on the broad or undivided part engaging the flange.

The jaw B is formed with a hole 71. by which it is fastened to the handle, the latter having a corresponding hole, and a bolt is provided which passes through the handle and jaw. The handle is bifurcated to form arms j, 70, which receive between them a central web m formed on the aw, and on either side of the web the jaw is recessed (see a, Fig. 1) to receive lugs 0 formed on the handle. When the bolt '11 is tightened the jaw is prevented from moving around its pivot by the portions 79, p of the lugs which form stops engaging the inner faces Q, g of the jaw.

In this type of wrench the chain is not pivoted at the end of the handle, but is usually pivoted to the handle at a point at the rear of the reversible jaw; in the construction shown the handle is provided with lugs 1", 7" spaced apart to receive the chain. The close joining of the faces a Z) and a '0 of the jaw, and the short radius of curvature, permits making the latter of minimum length which can be easily accommodated in the space forward of the lugs 9" 1" without making this space too great for efficiency in operation. The chain is passed beneath the work, as indicated in Fig. 1, and is engaged with locks such as s s, spaced apart to permit the chain to pass between them, and formed with the usual locking recesses. The relative locations of the lugs r and s and jaw, and the size and shape of a jaw for a wrench for a medium range of pipe (from 3% to 2,-2,) shown in the drawings, are such as to give good results. The radius of curvature of thej aw is about two inches for a wrench for pipe of the range indicated; the jaw has about the same width as the radius; the points (1" s) from which the ends of the loop formed by the chain swing, are spaced apart a distance approximately equal to that of the radius of curvature of the jaw; the pin 10 in the jaw 9" is on a tangent drawn substantially at the lowest point of the jaw; and the lugs s are approximately at the center baa of curvature of the jaw. The jaw is best provided with a groove t which receives one of the links of the chain, such as u, when the wrench is used on pipes having small diameters. Moreover, in order that the bifurcated ends of the jaw (at each side of the spaces f and g) may be of the requisite strength, the corners between the bifurcated and full portions of the jaw are filled in with metal, as indicated at f, 9, being preferably rounded, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. The links a which lie horizontal may bear against these rounded portions 7, g, and thus lie close to the bottom of the bifurcation.

When the front worln'ng face hasbecome dulled or impaired in use, the bolt 6 is removed and the jaw turned end for end, whereupon the bolt is replaced and tightened. The working face which has for merly occupied the rearward position is thereby brought into active position. By this means the jaw has a double length of life before it is necessary to sharpen it or substitute a new jaw therefor. So also, if a jaw becomes too dull or injured to sharpen, the entire wrench is not thereby necessarily discarded, but may be rendered practically new by the substitution of a new jaw.

The type of wrench illustrated with the chain pivotally connected at a point in the rear of the jaw and with the lock located on the side of the wrench opposite that on which the pipe is gripped, permits the wrench to work only in one direction and to use only the outermost or forward face of the jaw. This is a safety feature when using the wrench in an upright position. Such wrenches have sometimes to be used overhead and the accidental release and fall of the chain would be liable to injure the user. Vilith wrenches of the type here illustrated there is not the same liability to accidental release of the chain as in wrenches working both ways.

The sharp curve of the jaw permits of close work on pipes in corners, and when pipes are spaced close together, as in radiator coil work. The jaw, it will be observed, is embraced between the points (7' s) at which the ends of the link of thechain are fastened. Also, the pivoting of the chain on the handle back of the jaw allows four distinct holds on each size pipe in most cases, and three in all cases, as against two or one hold in other makes, thereby distributing the wear more evenly over the teeth on the jaw. These grips or holds are all obtainable on thejforward half of the jaw, and when the teeth become worn on the forward half the jaw can be turned, as above explained, to use the teeth of the other half. The wide jaw and the length of chain between its point of bearing on the pipe and the fixed point 011 the handle give the wrench a firm grip with the least marring of the pipe. The design and proportions make a wrench which can be placed on a pipe with comparative ease. It is not easy to place it in any but the correct position, and no thought is required to do this. The jaw on one side of the wrench only, makes it possible to insert the wrench into smaller spaces than are, accessible to a wrench with a double jaw.

link attached to the lug 1* may be dispensed with and the first link of the chain attached directly to this lug, and the chain may be a cable chain, as shown, or any other style of chain, depending on the use to which the wrench is to be put, as a flat chain where flanges are to be gripped by the wrench. The lugs r are fastened to the swinging link by a pin which can be easily driven out to permit a reversal of the chain end for end, the link at the free end of the chain being then fastened to the lugs r by the same pin. As most of the wear on the chain is near the fasten d end, a double life of the chain is made possible in this way. When no special swinging link is used, of course both ends of the chain are alike and consist only of the ordinary links, and the reversal is all the easier. 'The lugs s are beveled toward the outside, as shown in Fi 2, which facilitates the use of either type of chain. The dotted lines in this figure indicate the contour of the bearing faces of the lugs s. The inner curve of these bearing faces conforms to the rounded end of a link of a cable chain, and if the lugs were not thus shaped they would in time out notches in the links.

The curve n (Fig. l) of the recesses on the outer side faces of the jaw is preferably circular, as shown, to give room for a wrench to engage the head of the bolt 2' and the nut thereon with the least loss of material in the jaw, and, consequently, with the greatest strength of the jaw. This is also the cheapest and best form for manufacturing purposes, as a polygonal shape would be more expensive to mill. The curved shape also gives greater ease in assembling, and a better joint between the jaw and the handle.

The invention may receive other embodiment-s than that herein specifically illus trated and described.

This application is a continuation of an application filed November 30, 1915, serially numbered 64,266.

Vr'hat is claimed is:

l. in a chain pipe wrench, the combination of a handle, a reversible jaw having working faces at the tl'orward and rear parts of the same side of the jaw, a chain attached to the handle at the rear of both working faces and consequently arranged to grip a pipe and turn it by engagement with a forward working face only of said jaw, said jaw hziving its forward and rear ends bifur-ated to permit the passage of the chain and having a central portion of the full width of the jaw, said aw being adapted to be turned end for end so as to bring into forward operative position one or another of said working faces.

In a chain pipe wrench, the combination of a handle. a reversible jaw having working; faces at the forward and rear parts of the same side of the jaw. the respective faces formed of oppositely inclined teeth and being substantially continuous, and a rhain attached to the handle at the rear of both working faces and consequently arranged to grip a pipe and turn it by engagement with a forward working face only of said jaw, said jaw being adapted to be turned nd for end so as to bring into forward operative position one or another of said we g faces, and said jaw having its for a rd and rear ends bifurcated to permit the passage of the chain and having a central portion of the full width of the jaw.

3. a chain pipe wrench, the combination of a handle, a aw having forward and rearward working faces and adapted to be turned end for end, a pin for attaching said jaw to said handle, said handle having lugs 0 and said jaw having recesses on its outer side faces in which said lugs lie in the fastened position, said jaw having circular faces n surrounding an edge of said lug.

l. In a chain pipe wrench, tie combination of a handle, jaw having forward and rearward faces and adapted to he turned en for end. a pin for attaching said jaw to said handle, said handle havinglug-s 0 and said aw having recesses on its cuter side faces in which said lugs lie in the fastened position. said jaw having circular faces u sin'ronndinp' an edge of said lugs. and abutinents between said jaw and handle preventingany turning of said jaw on said handle.

5. in a chain pipe wrench, the combination of a handle and a j aw having forward and rearward moi-kingfaces on the same side of the jaw, said jaw having; a solid or continuous gripping portion and bifurcater gripping portions at each end thereof, whereby said jaw is reversible on the handle, and said wrench is r adily usable for pipe. fittings and flange turning work. the face of said solid portion and of each of said bifur-ated portions being of substantially the same length.

3. A chain pipe wrench having a chain, a curved working face or jaw com nising a solid or continuous gripping portion and a bifurcated gripping portion. and lugs above said jaw for engaging said chain, said bifurcation admitting said chain therein and c.\:- tending into said jaw substantially below the level of said lugs. and said solid, and bifurcated p rtions rendering said wrench rezulily usable for pipe, fittings and flangeturning work on a substantial range of sizes of pipe.

7. fl chain pipe wrench having a chain and a curved working face or jaw comprising' a solid or continuous gripping portion and a bifurcated gripping portion. said bifurcation admitting said chain therein, and said solid and bifurcated portions renderinp' said wrench readily usable for pipe. fittings and flange-turning work on a substantial range of sizes of pipe, said jaw having a width apgro:':inatel equal to the radius of curvature of said jaw.

8. A chain pipe wrench having a chain and a curved working; race orj aw compris mg a solid or continuous gripping portion and a bifurcated gripping portion, said bifurcation admitting said chain therein, and said solid and bifurcated portions rendersaid wrench readily usable for pipe, fittings and fiange turning work on a substantial range of sizes of pipe, said jaw having a radius of curvature having a representative length of two inches for a size of wrench applicable for a range of pipes from it to 2 to 2-3, inches in diameter.

9. A chain. pipe wrench having a chain and a curved working face or jaw comprising a solid or continuous gripping portion and a bifurcated gripping portion, said bifurcation admitting said chain therein, and said solid and bifurcated portions rendering said wrench readily usable for pipe, fittings and flange-turning work on a substantial range of sizes of pipe, and a point of suspension of said chain opposite said jaw sub stantially at the center of curvature of said jaw.

10. A chain pipe wrench having a chain and a curved working face or aw comprising a solid or continuous grippingportion and a bifurcated gripping portion, said bifurcation admitting said chain therein, and said solid and bifurcated portions 1'en dering said wrench readily usable for pipe, fittings and flange-turning work on a substantial range of sizes of pipe, and a point of suspension of said chain at the rear of said jaw substantially on a tangent to the lowermost point of the curve of said jaw.

11. A chain pipe wrench having a chain and a curved working face or aw comprising a solid or continuous gripping portion and a, bifurcated gripping portion, said bifurcation admitting said chain therein, and said solid and bifurcated portions rendering said wrench readily usable for pipe, fittings and flange-turning work on a substantial. *ange of sizes of pipe, and a point of suspension of said chain, opposite said jaw and at the rear of said jaw, said points being spaced apart a distance substantially equal or greater than the radius of curvature of said aw.

12. A. chain pipe wrench having a chain and a curved working face or jaw comprising a solid or continuous gripping portion and a bifurcated gripping portion, said bifurcation admitting said chain therein, and said solid and bifurcatedportions rendering said wrench readily usable for pipe, fittings and flange-turning work on a substantial range of sizes of pipe, and a point of suspension of said chain, opposite said jaw and at the rear of said jaw, said points being spaced apart a distance substantially equal or greater than the radius of curvature of said jaw, said point of suspension opposite said jaw being substantially at the center of curvature of said jaw.

13. A chain pipe wrench having a chain and a curved working face or jaw comprising a solid or continuous gripping port-ion and a bifurcated gripping portion, said bifurcation admitting said chain therein, and said solid and bifurcated portions rendering said wrench readily usable for pipe, fittings and flangeturning work on a substantial range of sizes of pipe, and'a point of suspension of said. chain, opposite said jaw and at the rear of said jaw, said points being spaced apart a distance substantially equal or greater than the radius of curvature of said jaw, said point of suspension opposite said jaw being substantially at the center of curvature of said jaw, and said point of suspension at the rear of said jaw being substantially on a tangent to the lowermost point of the curve of said jaw.

14L A chain pipe wrench having a chain and a curved working face or jaw comprising a solid or continuous gripping portion and a bifurcated gripping portion, said bifurcation admitting said chain therein, and said solid and bifurcated portions rendering said wrench readily usable for pipe, fittings and flange-turning work on a substantial range of sizes of pipe, the mini mum length of said bifurcated portion substantially equaling the length of said solid port-ion. V

In witness whereof, I have hereunto signed lily name.

enonen w. urroun. 

